Continuous water changer

[islander671]

If, for whatever reason there is a power failure, the pump back to the tank would stop running; since the drip emitter is powered by water pressure, how would I stop my tank from overflowing?

Also, do you have any ideas on simplifying the system?

It depends on the type of overflow you have (in your main tank), if its a drilled overflow then there is no worry. Once your pump stops running all the excess water drains into your sump ( this amount should be minimal depedning on the height of the overflows in you main tank) Once this water has made its way to the sump it should be drained out from the oveflow in you sump, just be sure when you put in the overflow in you sump it is large enough to handle a surge of water like that without overflowing your sump, i used 1" without a problem.

 

[zennzzo]

Alright, I'll post a diagram of the way the tank will eventually be set up. It is really complicated, so if you could help me find a way to simplify it, that would be awesome!

I've already got the overflow box and a Sterilite tub to use as the sump; I don't have any of the plumbing for the sump, drip/drain system, or the drip emitter yet.

View attachment 282789

***There is also a Fluval FX5 running on the main tank, drawing from the opposite side as the bucket, and feeding the water into the same side as the bucket does.

Just drill the tank, and with a small bulkhead plumb to waste water, this will be the overflow.
...both the canisters draw from the main tank and have the FX5 feed the overhead media chamber, drip to the main tank...simple

 

[abortedsoul]

Just drill the tank, and with a small bulkhead plumb to waste water, this will be the overflow.
...both the canisters draw from the main tank and have the FX5 feed the overhead media chamber, drip to the main tank...simple

The flow of the FX5 always uproots the plants; would it still work if I left the F204 running the waterfall, set the drip emitter on the plant tank and then drilled the main to establish a drain to the sink? Also, I've never drilled a tank, much less done it with inhabitants in it. What do I need to safely drill the tank without chancing cracking or breaking it? Is it expensive?

 

[zennzzo]

The flow of the FX5 always uproots the plants; would it still work if I left the F204 running the waterfall, set the drip emitter on the plant tank and then drilled the main to establish a drain to the sink? Also, I've never drilled a tank, much less done it with inhabitants in it. What do I need to safely drill the tank without chancing cracking or breaking it? Is it expensive?

yeah you can switch the canisters if you want...
to drill a tank you'll need a Diamond hole saw, a cordless drill, and some water...OH and most importantly, your tank can not be tempered...so please don't say it's a 55 g...(diamond holesaw from Hong kong takes 10days to arrive and they are less than 10 Bux)

 

[abortedsoul]

yeah you can switch the canisters if you want...
to drill a tank you'll need a Diamond hole saw, a cordless drill, and some water...OH and most importantly, your tank can not be tempered...so please don't say it's a 55 g...(diamond holesaw from Hong kong takes 10days to arrive and they are less than 10 Bux)

It is a 125 gallon tank. How do I find out if it is tempered? It was craigslist buy.

 

[zennzzo]

It is a 125 gallon tank. How do I find out if it is tempered? It was craigslist buy.

125 shouldn't be tempered...how thick is the glass?

 

[abortedsoul]

125 shouldn't be tempered...how thick is the glass?

...I have no idea.

I could get a tape measure, I guess...

 

[abortedsoul]

125 shouldn't be tempered...how thick is the glass?

1/2" thick.

 

[zennzzo]

1/2" thick glass on a 125gallon, hmmm are you sure? maybe 3/8ths?
what are the overall dimensions?

 

[abortedsoul]

1/2" thick glass on a 125gallon, hmmm are you sure? maybe 3/8ths?
what are the overall dimensions?

60"x18"x24.5" and most certainly is 1/2" glass. The tank is a bit less than 125 gallons, according to the calculator.